Astrophotography enthusiasts are in for a treat between September and December of 2024, as the night sky will be teeming with celestial wonders. Whether you're just starting or you're an experienced stargazer, this period offers numerous opportunities to capture stunning photographs. Here’s what you should look for during these months:

1. The Milky Way Core

The Milky Way's core is one of the most stunning subjects for astrophotographers. Visible primarily during the summer months, its prominence extends into early autumn, making September one of the last opportunities to capture the galactic center before it starts to dip below the horizon. In the northern hemisphere, the core is best captured during the first few hours after sunset.

The Galaxtic Core Over Rapeseed Fields in Swanage, Dorset

The intricate dust lanes, glowing star clusters, and swirling patterns of the Milky Way offer photographers breathtaking compositions. Be sure to choose a location with minimal light pollution for the best results. Early September still allows you to capture this galactic treasure, particularly in wide-angle shots.

2. Planetary Alignments

Several planets will be visible during the last months of 2024, offering unique opportunities for planetary astrophotography and wide-field shots. In particular, Jupiter and Saturn will dominate the evening sky.

Jupiter: The gas giant will be particularly bright throughout October and November. As it reaches opposition in October, its size and brightness will make it an excellent target for both wide-angle shots with the Milky Way in the background and detailed close-ups using telescopic equipment.
Saturn: Known for its magnificent rings, Saturn will also be a prime subject in September and October, best viewed after dusk. Its positioning against the backdrop of stars and the Milky Way can lead to extraordinary compositions.

Additionally, Mars will make a brief appearance in the predawn hours, offering opportunities for early risers in late November and December.

3. Orion Nebula and the Winter Constellations

As autumn fades into winter, the iconic Orion constellation rises earlier and earlier in the sky. By late October and November, the Orion Nebula (M42) becomes a key target. This vast star-forming region, located about 1,344 light-years away, is a stunning subject for astrophotography. It’s visible to the naked eye as a faint smudge in the sword of Orion but becomes a spectacular sight when captured with long exposures.

Other noteworthy winter constellations, like Taurus, with its famous Pleiades cluster (M45), and Auriga, featuring the bright star Capella, will also be high in the night sky. These constellations bring intricate star fields and deep sky objects perfect for astrophotography.

4. Meteor Showers

Meteor showers can add drama and dynamic movement to your astrophotographs. Two prominent meteor showers occur between September and December 2024:

Draconids (October 8-9, 2024): This meteor shower is known for producing slow-moving meteors that radiate from the constellation Draco. Though typically less intense, it offers a chance to capture bright, bold meteors, especially if you’re in a location with low light pollution.
Geminids (December 13-14, 2024): The Geminids are considered one of the most reliable and spectacular meteor showers of the year, often producing over 100 meteors per hour at peak. The meteors radiate from the constellation Gemini and can be seen all over the sky. This meteor shower coincides with a new moon this year, ensuring dark skies and excellent conditions for long-exposure meteor photography.

A meteor captured during the 2024 Perseid meteor shower

5. Lunar Photography

The moon offers a constant and captivating subject for astrophotography. Between September and December, several key phases will be particularly photogenic:

Full Harvest Moon (September 17, 2024): This is one of the most well-known full moons of the year, marked by its bright and warm glow. Capture the moonrise, or wait until later in the night when it’s high in the sky for a clear shot with a long focal length.
Partial Lunar Eclipse (October 17-18, 2024): A partial lunar eclipse will be visible across parts of North America, Europe, and Africa. This will be a great opportunity to capture the moon with a shadow partially covering its surface.
Full Cold Moon (December 15, 2024): The final full moon of the year, often called the "Cold Moon," will illuminate the December skies, providing stunning winter compositions. Consider combining this full moon with a winter landscape for a striking foreground.

6. Deep Sky Objects

The late autumn and winter skies offer some of the most spectacular deep sky objects:

Andromeda Galaxy (M31): As one of the most famous galaxies in the night sky, Andromeda is perfectly placed for imaging between September and December. Located in the Andromeda constellation, this spiral galaxy is a stunning sight and relatively easy to capture with the right equipment. By using long exposures, you can reveal its swirling arms and bright core.
The Perseus Cluster: Located near the constellation Perseus, this galaxy cluster is rich in photogenic galaxies. By November and December, Perseus is high in the sky, offering clear views of these distant galaxies.
The Horsehead Nebula: Located in Orion, the Horsehead Nebula is a dark nebula that contrasts against the bright background of the surrounding hydrogen clouds. It becomes more visible towards December as Orion rises higher in the night sky.

The period between September and December 2024 is a fantastic time for astrophotographers. From the final glimpses of the Milky Way’s core in early autumn to the majestic rise of the winter constellations, there are endless opportunities to capture stunning celestial events. Whether you’re focusing on planets, meteor showers, the moon, or deep sky objects, the season’s night sky offers a variety of subjects that will challenge and inspire your photography.

So, grab your camera, find a dark-sky location, and prepare to capture the beauty of the universe in all its glory!